At a young age, I have already strived for success, and among my numerous accomplishments, one stands out as a remarkable achievement — I was selected as one of the 20 Philippine youth representatives for the JENESYS2022 Inbound Program Batch 40 (Food Safety), held in Tokyo, Japan, from February 14th to 21st, 2023.
The Government of Japan established the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) Program in an effort to promote understanding and trust between people from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to fostering understanding and respect for Japan's economy, society, history, diversified culture, politics, and diplomatic ties, its goal is to lay the groundwork for future friendship and collaboration. Being invited to participate in this prestigious program by the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a tremendous honor. The expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals, were all covered, and in return, we were tasked to develop an advocacy plan, contribute 40 hours of volunteer work, and share our experiences on social media platforms.
Embarking on an Unfamiliar Path
I first learned about the JENESYS2022 program through a post on Facebook by the National Youth Commission. Despite feeling somewhat uncomfortable with such events due to a lack of self-confidence, I decided to submit my application and requirements, realizing that I had nothing to lose. To my surprise and delight, I received the acceptance letter on January 23, 2023, boosting my self-confidence. From that moment, everything progressed rapidly, from completing the necessary tasks to attending the pre-departure orientation. Before I knew it, it was time for the flight to Japan
Exploring the Culinary Landscape and More
Upon arrival in Japan, we participated in an orientation where the program's objectives, detailed schedule, and our roles were explained. Throughout our stay in the country, we visited different culinary vocational schools and universities. These institutions offered us tours of their facilities, showcased Japanese cooking styles, delivered lectures on food safety in Japan, and treated us to a taste of their diverse cuisines. The universities that we visited include the Shinjuku Culinary College, where we had lunch cooked by the students themselves, the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, where we learned about food safety from Professor Matsumoto Takashi, and the Japan Cooking Art Academy, where Tanaka Sensei enlightened us about traditional Japanese ingredients and preparation techniques.
Aside from these culinary experiences, we also explored cultural and famous sites such as the Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama, which showcased Japan's advanced technology, the Yamatogawa Sake Brewery, where we learned the traditional process of sake production, and the Wakaki Shop, which offered insights on how soy sauce and Dashi soy sauce are being made. These excursions allowed us to witness the concept of "Cool Japan," a harmonious co-existence of Japan’s present and past represented by ultra-modern business facilities, well-preserved cultural and historical architecture, animation, and pop culture.
As interesting as everything was, the prime highlight of the whole program for me is the Japanese home visit in Fukushima, where a devastating nuclear accident occurred. Our group was assigned to the Watanabe family, an ordinary family that helped deepen our understanding of life and the sense of values of Japanese people. They hosted us in their home, where we experienced an informal tea ceremony, engaged in discussions about the Fukushima tragedy, and jointly prepared sushi and takoyaki with a heartfelt touch of enjoyment. After the whole program, a workshop and reporting session were conducted. It was where we were required to compile our Japan findings and new discoveries through the program and draft an action plan to be implemented upon returning to the Philippines.
Reflection on Personal Growth
On a more personal note, the JENESYS2022 program allowed me to experience many "firsts" in my life. I traveled to a foreign country independently, without the guidance of my family, rode the Shinkansen Bullet Train, witnessed and played in the snow, wore traditional Filipino clothing in Japan, savored authentic Japanese cuisine, and gained a fresh perspective on Japan as a whole. Above all, I had the privilege of meeting and sharing these experiences with fellow Filipino youths, each with their own unique backgrounds. Participating in this program not only bolstered my self-confidence but also dispelled any doubts I had about my abilities. Being chosen as one of the 20 delegates from a pool of thousands of applicants was a testament to my capabilities. The JENESYS2022 program provided me with a profound insight into Japan's culture, people, food safety practices, technological advancements, and sustainable initiatives. Witnessing these first-hand made me optimistic about the future of the Philippines. With discipline, effective governance, and cooperation among its citizens, our country can strive towards similar advancements and create a harmonious society.
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